Passion 2013 Reflection

Passion 2013 - Academic Need Reflection

I had the opportunity of a lifetime to attend Passion 2013 conference in Atlanta, Georgia from January 1-4, 2013. The experiences was indescribable and I am honestly not sure how to put it into words. I know nothing I can write can really do justice of describing just a glimpse of the conference. It was awe-inspiring, beautiful, and truly historic. It was so powerful, that can't shake it from my spirit. Why? Jesus, only Jesus. The one who is faithful, when we are faithless! Again, I can not express how truly blessed I was to have the opportunity to participate at Passion in person. I have been to plenty of conferences, but this one was different. It wasn’t just an emotional experience or a “spiritual high”. It was 60,000 eighteen to twenty five year old Jesus followers gathered together seeking one thing.... Jesus. There were students from all 50 states, from 56 countries and representing over 2400 universities and colleges. It was the cry and desire of a new generation wanting to make Jesus name known to the entire world. It impacted me personally because I truly experienced growth in my walk with Jesus. I didn’t have a “new calling” or “change of plan in my life” at the conference. I truly grew Spiritually and and was renewed during my experience. I learned more about Jesus and His word. I also learned more about discipleship and the 27 million slaves around the world today. There are more slaves today than at any point in history. If anyone was to ask me if the conference was worth, I would undoubtedly say yes. Don’t treat it as a vacation though, go with a heart that is open and honest, and confess and repent of ALL sin.

I think this can make an impact and affect the community of George Fox in the ways of discipleship and awareness of the modern slave trade. I really see discipleship building here on campus as huge opportunity. It was Jesus last commandment to go and make disciples. We are considered a “Christian” campus, but there are so many on our campus who don’t know WHO Jesus is. There are a lot of people who grew up in the church and played the religious game, and there are others who actually don’t really know anything about Jesus. I really see us being able to encourage, challenge, mentor, and walk with others in the George Fox community. Its easy to fall in the trap of “acting” like a Christian on our campus. I think we can challenge the community to really grow and understand personally why they believe what they believe. I also see us impacting the campus by bringing awareness to the estimated 27 million slaves around the world today. There are slaves all around the world, including right here in the USA and Oregon. Men, women, and children are working as slaves in the sex industry, mines, boats, fields, and sweat shops. A lot of people simply don’t know that. Change is not going to come if no one knows about the issue. That’s why I believe we can impact the George Fox community by bringing awareness to the issue. We already have been talking to are fellow students and hope to plan some events to raise awareness during the course of the semester. I am so pumped how God is going to use the 4 of us on our campus during the rest of the year.